The inn beloved by Famous Samurai Lord over 400 years – Fubokaku Aone Onsen – Zao Miyagi JAPAN
Fubokaku, Aone Onsen, Miyagi Prefecture.
This small hot spring town was once called Tannomura, and it is said that inns have flourished since the Kamakura period around 13th Century.
During the Edo period, the Gotenyu bathhouse of the Date clan of the Sendai domain was established here. Date Masamune, famous samurai of Japan over 400 years ago once visited here and was so impressed by its splendor that he named it “Fubo”, and the inn’s name has been passed down to the present day.
A historic inn that represents the Japan Association of Secluded Hot Spring Inns. The onsen keeper of Fubokaku took the name Sato Niuemon, and the 21st generation continues to keep the inn. The Gotenyu bathhouses that were loved by the Date clan, the feudal lords of the Sendai domain for generations, are still being repaired and maintained today, and one of them, Oyu Kinsendo, was built by 30 stonemasons about 500 years ago. The Oyu bathhouse was later used as a public bathhouse for Aone Onsen, but was closed in 2006 due to deterioration. However, in response to requests from local residents, it was restored using the latest traditional techniques and has been used as the large bath at Fuboukaku since 2008.
The new symbol of the inn is the Kurayu-yokusu, a large space renovated from a nationally registered tangible cultural property, and the entire space is turned into a bathtub, making it a work of art. The atmosphere is particularly mystical when you bathe at night, and you can enjoy the simple spring water, which feels good on your skin, at your leisure.
The food served is authentic kaiseki cuisine. The food at Fubokaku is of such high quality that the first course is followed by a la carte dishes. I think this inn is not only attractive for its history and hot springs, but also for its food.
The history tour of Aone Palace held the following morning is also a MUST. It is a precious time when the landlady carefully guides you through the Aone Palace, which is currently used as an exhibition room. We learned a lot, including stories about the lords of the Date clan and the great fire at Aone Onsen.
There are many baths, so you can take your time to enjoy your meal and learn about history. There is so much to do that it is difficult to relax at this inn. That is how attractive it is. I would definitely recommend that everyone visit.
■Details of spring quality
Simple hot spring (no water or heating added) pH 7.4
Free-flowing from the source
■Aone Onsen Yumoto Fubokaku
https://www.fubokaku.com/
https://www.tohokukanko.jp/en/attractions/detail_1002785.html
* Some of the information in the video is based on information collected online.
* Permission has been granted to film the hot spring.
* Normally video/photo shooting inside bath is not allowed.
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1 Comment
Another great movie, thank you very much. This ryokan looks so full of tradition and history and absolutely beautiful. I also like the museum with the kokeshi dolls, that you visited at the beginning.
For me, spending time in a ryokan, is a major highlight of any trip to Japan. The ryokan doesnt have to be luxurious, as long as the food is tasty and there are wonderful onsen. Last year for example, with spent 3 weeks on Kyushu and stayed in lovely rather cheap ryokans on Yakushima and in Beppu. And also splurged, and stayed in an old traditional ryokan with private onsen in Kurakowa Onsen, which was great.